Saints winger North to be rested from rugby for four weeks

Saints today announced the Welsh winger will take a month out from playing and on-field training after he was knocked out during last Friday’s Aviva Premeirship clash with Wasps.

North was knocked unconscious after Nathan Hughes’ knee connected with the winger’s head as he dived in to score his second try of the game.

The incident followed on from North suffering a double knockout during his country’s Six Nations clash with England in February, and another incident of concussion when playing against New Zealand last year.

North saw a neurologist on Wednesday, and the expert has advised that the player take a month away from playing rugby before being re-assessed at the end of April.

A club statement read: “North will continue to be monitored by the Saints’ medical team in the intervening period. He will not participate in on-field training, but will continue to contribute in other areas and maintain his work with the club’s performance department.”

There have been calls for North to be rested for the rest of the season, and Saints have insisted they will do whatever is best for their player’s welfare.

“We have listened to the advice we sought and George will be taking some time away from the field,” said Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder.

“Throughout this process it is important that George’s welfare comes first and that he is treated patiently and calmly, only returning to action when all of the medical team are happy for him to do so.”

The rest period means North definitely misses this weekend’s European Champions Cup match at Clermont Auvergne, and the Aviva Premiership matches against Exeter Chiefs (April 12) and Saracens (April 25).

He would also be unavailable for the Champions Cup semi-final if Saints progress this weekend.